zolav8

[zolav8]

Hello guys,

I'm Zola from Hungary, Europe. I own and building a 1975 Cutlass Salon.
Some of you may know me from the 73-77 olds list or other forums.

Todd (ragz442) showed me this new board and I'm absolutely happy to find you here.

The Cutlass has been in pieces for 5 years now, but plans have been changed, now It's a pretty different project.

I've pulled the small chevy 305 from the car, purchased a 455, bought tons of goodies for the engine. (master kit, edelbrock heads and intake, comp cams cam, hooker headers, demon carburetor, etc)

The body is back from the body shop, painted in the correct shade of Forest Green.

The frame is assembled with all new parts, 2" dropped spindles in front, 1,5" drop springs at the back, 4 disc brakes, new posi unit wit 3,42 gears.

I'm waiting my new transmission to arrive, It's a built 200-4R overdrive.

I bought a parts car on ebay and got it shipped here, because my original frame was bent.

This is my car as purchased, I'll show you some project photos soon.

http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/444b3dba2b747.jpg

[PSU442]

sweet! great to have you here, zolav8. I look forward to hearing about your car!

[damaged442]

Zola,
Good to have you aboard. It's been a while since we've heard from you. Good to see you're still around and still have that Cutlass! Sounds like it's going to be a beast when you're finished. (Not that we are ever really finished) :D Post some pics of the project when you can.

[zolav8]

Here's the body painted:

http://v8cars.hu/tmp/cutlassfeny/image01.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/tmp/cutlassfeny/image04.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/tmp/cutlassfeny/image10.jpg

[zolav8]

$305 ebay Parts car at the Budapest Container Terminal:
Shipping and taxes cost me $3000 :eek:

http://v8cars.hu/index/terminal.jpg

[zolav8]

Rear end:
http://www.v8cars.hu/index/060917c.jpg

http://www.v8cars.hu/index/060917b.jpg

http://www.v8cars.hu/index/060917a.jpg

[zolav8]

Dropped spindles and front rotor:
http://v8cars.hu/index/061028a.jpg

Rear disc:
http://v8cars.hu/index/20061203a.jpg

New wheel:
http://v8cars.hu/index/20061203b.jpg

[zolav8]

Steering with lower ratio steering box:
http://v8cars.hu/index/070512a.jpg

New fuel line:
http://v8cars.hu/index/070512b.jpg

[PSU442]

incredible!

[keith455]

Welcome Glad to see that you made it here.
Looks like your going to have one beast of a car when it's done. :)

[Superdupont]

Hey Zolav8, welcome here:)

Your website about your car is the first one i found when i bought my 75 salon. It was not updated since a long time so i was wondering if the project was still on. Glad to see it is, and it seems you're doing a great job!!

[brad442]

Wow!!!!!!!!!

[ragz442]

Dayum, your car is going to be awesome! I had the parts manager try and locate those bushings........no luck. Maybe someone here can help. Welcome to the site.

[keith455]

I had the parts manager try and locate those bushings........no luck. Maybe someone here can help.

???? What bushings?

[ragz442]

He's looking for core support bushings for the '75 Salon. He posted this on ROP:

http://72.22.90.30/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=35270&sid=0717dc208d32a593b0926433c0d3591d

[zolav8]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Keith, thank you for this board, it's really nice and i DO love that banner. Nice work!

Yes, my personal website is a bit outdated, but my web magazine ( http://v8cars.hu ) and its board takes too much of my time.

BTW if you're interested in the local american car scene, you can visit the virtual garage of my website at: http://v8cars.hu/vehicles.php?from=0&to=3000&order=reg

[442MUCH]

Welcome to our home! Very cool work you are doing.

[keith455]

Hey Zola, no problem. I'm glad to be able to have this board for all our "forgotten year" cars. :)

[zolav8]

I've just updated my website, please take the time and visit my restoration diary if you're interested:
http://v8cars.hu/cutlass/myolds.php?page=diary

http://v8cars.hu/cutlass/diary/2007-05-12/pic00005.jpg

[Superdupont]

Great! Thanks, I'm going right now:)

[zolav8]

Tomorrow is the day!
After one year, the body will meet the frame.

http://v8cars.hu/index/070615.jpg

[ragz442]

Wow, that's beautiful! Take your time, as much as you've done to this point, no sense in rushing it now.

[zolav8]

Everything went well, this was a big step in the project. :cool:

http://v8cars.hu/index/070616a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070616b.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070616c.jpg

[ragz442]

That's gotta make you feel good. That's going to be one sweet '75 Zola, nice work!

[zolav8]

I had only a few hours this day, I was working on the rear end:

http://v8cars.hu/index/070617a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070617b.jpg

[zolav8]

Progress photos:

http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/46967c6d6afae.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070712a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070712b.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070712c.jpg

[bigredddaddy]

Man that looks great! Where you still looking for those rear glass trim parts? I'm not keeping the rag top on my car, the parts are tan with a little surface rust. Maybe you can paint them? Let me know and I'll get a picture posted.

[zodiacblue442]

Zola, your car is looking fantastic! You're doing great work! Keep us posted on the progress and good luck!

[442MUCH]

Wow! You're doing a great job! That car is really coming along. Great Job!!

[73hurst]

Its tough enough to try and restore one of these here in the States, I can't imagine the added difficulty of doing one over in Hungary. Isn't the internet great! Looks like you're going to have one sweet ride when it's done.

[zolav8]

Man that looks great! Where you still looking for those rear glass trim parts? I'm not keeping the rag top on my car, the parts are tan with a little surface rust. Maybe you can paint them? Let me know and I'll get a picture posted.

Thanks, that would be great, I'm interested!

[zolav8]

Its tough enough to try and restore one of these here in the States, I can't imagine the added difficulty of doing one over in Hungary. Isn't the internet great!

Sure it is! Without the net here it would be impossible to realize projects like mine.

I bought every little piece on the internet. Ebay, Summit, Rockauto, The parts place, Advance auto parts, etc. I even bought my parts car on ebay. :)

The other bless of it is the flow of information, it's an endless source of information. Fan sites, manufacturers, magazines...

And of course communities, like this board. :cool:
The latest example is that I was given the info here that the 77 door handles should work on my car. Two weeks later I have two new handles in my hand. (Thanks Todd!)

[ragz442]

The car is looking great Zola, nice work! Look forward to seeing the "completed" pics.
No problem on the handle info, glad I could be some help.

[bigredddaddy]

Here's the trim around the back glass on my car. I've looked real close at all of the pieces and I didn't see any dents or rust through, just surface. For the record, the puddy goop on the side isn't my doing. I'm sure there's a rust hole that I need to fix soon! But now the pics are too big :mad: and I'll try to get some others later.

[zolav8]

But now the pics are too big :mad: and I'll try to get some others later.

No problem, just send the photos to my email address one by one.
Thanks.

[bigredddaddy]

I got the pics on my vBGarage, and thanks to who fixed it!

[zolav8]

I got the pics on my vBGarage, and thanks to who fixed it!

Great!
PM sent.

[zolav8]

Progress pics:

http://v8cars.hu/index/070728a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070728b.jpg

[zolav8]

The engine was assembled yesterday at my friends speed shop. ( http://hebonline.hu/ )
It should make some serious HP.

http://v8cars.hu/index/070731a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070731b.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070731c.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/070731d.jpg

[ragz442]

Looks great! Thanks for the update, that's gonna be 1 sweeeeet ride!

[442MUCH]

Dang Zola! You're doing a great job! That car is going to be fantastic!

[zolav8]

Heat and sound insualtion with Dynamat and Dynaliner.
All I can say, these are fine materials, good to work with.

Old insulation, cardboard template and Dynamat.
http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/46d70d9c07c8c.jpg

Test fit:
http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/46d70dc10bb18.jpg

Finished firewall:
http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/46d8feee0d4e5.jpg

Dynaliner:
http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/46d9b332e2aed.jpg

[zolav8]

I've also replaced the worn out interior insulations of the heater box with Dynaliner.

A/C Heater Box...
http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/46d9b37486b80.jpg

...with a non A/C conversion heater panel:
http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/46d9b3bb3879d.jpg

[zolav8]

Important detail.
Now I have something to put to the metal. :D

http://v8cars.hu/forumimages/46d9b50d5efa1.jpg

[73CS]

Simply Awesome!!! All the compliments are defiantly deserved. Your web site is great also. Cant wait to see it all back together. :)

Blane

[zolav8]

Tadaaa :cool:

http://www.v8cars.hu/garageimages/46e2b7e8c36eb.jpg

[ragz442]

Car's looking great Zola! I thought I remember you saying you had someone hand make the quarter panel[s] for it, if so, that's one talented sheet metal fabricator you found.

[zolav8]

Car's looking great Zola! I thought I remember you saying you had someone hand make the quarter panel[s] for it, if so, that's one talented sheet metal fabricator you found.

Yes, both quarters are hand made.

http://v8cars.hu/cutlass/diary/2003-11-01/11010002.jpg

[zolav8]

We had several fitment issues with the moroso oil pan, headers and the 200-4R, but finally the engine is in place! :cool:

http://v8cars.hu/index/motorbe1.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/motorbe2.jpg

[Hurstolds1973]

AWesome Job Zola ! I was wondering what you put on the inside floor area of the car it looks great. Is it a paint or a Rhino lining type material? Thanks Joe

[zolav8]

I was wondering what you put on the inside floor area of the car it looks great.

The sandblasted floor was simply painted then it was covered with dynamat and dynaliner. http://www.dynamat.com/products_automotive_introduction.html

[zolav8]

http://v8cars.hu/index/motorbenn2.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/motorbenn3.jpg

[zolav8]

X-pipe exhaust system:

http://v8cars.hu/index/alul1.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/alul2.jpg

[ragz442]

Very nice! Looks like your making some great progress Zola.

[zolav8]

Engine is running! :cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsL3faksr2Q

[zolav8]

Just for fun. :)

http://v8cars.hu/index/hoosier.jpg

[texxas8902]

Yeah, I'd agree. Drag slicks are for having fun. Now we need that same shot with white smoke around the tire.:D

[zolav8]

Another youtube video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=NA4eSmce2RQ

[mdkingsley]

Great pics and an awsome video. Sounds great!!!!! what heads are those?

[texxas8902]

Cam sounds rumpity rump. What are the cam specs? What's the run down on the motor, compression, displacement and the parts you've used?

[zolav8]

Here are the specs:

455 + .030
Comp Cams Xtreme Energy XE274H Cam (http://www.compcams.com/Technical/Search/CamDetails.asp?PartNumber=42-224-4)
Edelbrock Performer RPM Cylinder Heads
Comp Cams 1.60:1 Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms
Comp Cams Hi-Tech Pushrods
Edelbrock Torker 455 Intake Manifold
Speed Demon 750 CFM Carburetor, Mechanical Secondaries
Moroso Deep Oil Pan

Pertronix Flame-Thrower Distributor
Crane Cams FireWire, 8.5mm Wires

Powermaster Master Torque Mini Starter
Powermaster Retro Alternator

Hooker Competition Headers
Pypes Street Pro Mufflers
2,5" X-Pipe

Flow Kooler High Volume Aluminium Water Pump
Griffin Aluminum Circle Track Radiator

[texxas8902]

Zolav, where did you get the mini starter? Thanks

[zolav8]

Zolav, where did you get the mini starter? Thanks

I've bought mine on ebay, but here's a summit racing link of it:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PWM%2D9610&N=700+4294908158+4294840139+115&autoview=sku

It was a pain in the a.. to install it.
Basically it was installed in two pieces and reassembled behind the headers. :eek:

[texxas8902]

I've bought mine on ebay, but here's a summit racing link of it:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=PWM%2D9610&N=700+4294908158+4294840139+115&autoview=sku

It was a pain in the a.. to install it.
Basically it was installed in two pieces and reassembled behind the headers. :eek:

At least you were able to do it without dropping the header. Pulling the header is normal on an Olds motor with headers when changing the starter. I'm going to run the mini starter or Painless wiring has a kit that is supposed to cure the hot start problem. My buddy just ordered one for his 79 Cutlass with a 403 and headers. I'll see how his works out before I spend my hard earned money. Thanks for the info.

[zolav8]

My buddy just ordered one for his 79 Cutlass with a 403 and headers. I'll see how his works

Be sure to let us know about it!

[texxas8902]

Be sure to let us know about it!

Just a little relay with 4 wires to hook up. It seems to be providing more power to the solenoid and the cranking of the starter sounds much stronger. And yes it was a bitch to hook up around the header.
The set up is from Painless wiring, he got it from Jegs but they reamed him for $10 shipping.:rolleyes:

[zolav8]

Installed the fenders, hood and header panel today.
I almost forgot how does my car look like. :)

http://v8cars.hu/index/071202a.jpg

[ragz442]

Looking good Zola!

[ragz442]

Any updated pics? Looks awesome Zola! BTTT

[zolav8]

Any updated pics? Looks awesome Zola! BTTT

Thanks for the question.
Nothing really spectacular happened during the winter.
Lots of dust got into the shop. :(

Inner fender:
http://v8cars.hu/index/080329c.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080329d.jpg

[zolav8]

Custom made wiring for the engine: (need a new coolant bottle :D)
http://v8cars.hu/forumimages/47ea9dd66f7fd.jpg

[zolav8]

Grilles and new Hella H4 headlights installed:
http://v8cars.hu/index/080329a.jpg

[mdkingsley]

I am envious, I hope mine turns out that good. I guess it just takes time patients and cash. Keep the updates coming!

[zolav8]

Park lights before and after polishing:

http://v8cars.hu/index/080412c.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080412d.jpg

[zolav8]

NOS Wheelwell opening installed:

http://v8cars.hu/index/080412a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080412b.jpg

[zolav8]

http://v8cars.hu/index/080412e.jpg

[mdkingsley]

Great work, that will be a great car!

[Firethorne77]

Looking sweet. Love the H4 conversion. Did you have to change the wiring connectors to the lights?
Great job on the polishing for the parking/turn signals.
What product did you use to to clean them up?
:cool: Keep up the posts. She is looking great~~!

[zolav8]

Looking sweet. Love the H4 conversion. Did you have to change the wiring connectors to the lights?
Great job on the polishing for the parking/turn signals.
What product did you use to to clean them up?
:cool: Keep up the posts. She is looking great~~!

No, I didn't have to change the connectors, however I wired in an extra relay for more bright.

The polishing was done by a friend of mine, he uses various grit papers for sanding and finishes by a plastic polisher.

[zolav8]

I've installed the front bumper today.
Looks like a car again.
I still need a nice set of headlight bezels. (and a car wash :) )

http://v8cars.hu/index/080507a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080507c.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080507b.jpg

[73CS]

Looks great!

[damaged442]

Ya know, I was just saying to myself...it's been a while, I wonder what kind of progress Zola has made on his 75.

I must say, damn good progress. She looks great. Thanks for the pics.

[zodiacblue442]

Looks great Zola! Did you ever find a good chrome strip for the center of the hood? I may have one if I didn't throw it away. :eek: As far as I remember it had excellent chrome but one of the studs was broken off. I think it was the rear stud. You could probably epoxy a stud back on and as long as you didn't really crank down on the pal nut, it should hold. I'm hoping I put it with the rest of my spare trim. Let me know if you still need one and I'll look for it this weekend.

[gabes455olds]

WOW! THAT IS GONNA BE A VERY SERIOUS CAR!!!:eek:

[zolav8]

Thanks for the feeback, guys!
I'm always happy to share my progress photos with you.

Gary, thanks for you offer, I've bought two hood trims on ebay. Both used with some pitting.
I'll receive them in a few weeks and let you know, if I still need another one.

It's crazy, that before restoration the car was nice with the pitted trim and bezels, but after the paint job the same parts look awfully ugly.

[mdkingsley]

Good progress, make the next pics with some smoke billowing from the back tires. ( You know you want to!)

[texxas8902]

It's crazy, that before restoration the car was nice with the pitted trim and bezels, but after the paint job the same parts look awfully ugly.

Happens everytime.:D Driver quality parts look okay next to an old paint job. As soon as it is painted the old parts don't stand up, looks wise to the new paint and it's time to polish, refinish and replate or replace almost everything else. It has been fun watching as you work your way around the car. Keep up the good work and the pictures coming. I've still been keeping an eye out for some good headlight bezels for you. No luck yet.

[zolav8]

I went on a short road test around the shop today.
I've washed the car and took some photos:

http://v8cars.hu/index/080511a.jpg

Missing the hood center trim and the headlight bezels:
http://v8cars.hu/index/080511b.jpg

No rear bumper impact strips yet. The exhaust pipes will be moved in the proper place as soon as I install the final wheel & tire combo:
http://v8cars.hu/index/080511c.jpg

[aretubj]

Like Mitchell said, Where's the smoke?
That would be the first thing most of us would do.

I have to say Zola, Fantastic job on the restoration, but more importantly the fact your doing it in Europe. WOW!

Keep posting

Joe

[zolav8]

Like Mitchell said, Where's the smoke?

:D
There was only a little smoke and some tire marks were left on the road, but nothing can be seen of it on the videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZWWFiiVoF8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXyZ42tHtHo

[7tre-cutty]

Man that is one sweet ride...! Thanks sharing.

[zolav8]

I was at the upholstery shop today, I brought back some stuff and took some photos.
My front and rear seats are ready to install, the door panels are missing the Cutlass Salon emblems at the moment, but they are complete.
Everything is covered with genuine leather.

The sandstone vinyl top will be installed tomorrow and everything else will be completed this week.
I'll show you the results.

Passenger seat
http://v8cars.hu/index/080521a.jpg

Rear seat and new carpet
http://v8cars.hu/index/080521b.jpg

Door panel
http://v8cars.hu/index/080521c.jpg

[ragz442]

The upholstery came out great, those seats are very comfortable in vinyl, I can just imagine in leather.

[zolav8]

I've bought the vinyl on ebay, the color is not the exact sandstone shade I wanted, it's a bit brighter.
The main problem was that the rear of the vinyl wasn't fit. It was tailored and sewed incorretly, the upholstery shop had to remake it.

http://v8cars.hu/index/080524a.jpg

[zolav8]

Actual youtube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mClZgqDyr4M

[zolav8]

Installed the wheels yesterday.
The wheels are Boyd Coddington Smoothies, 17x8 with 4,5" backspacing at front, 17x8 with 4" BS at rear.
Tires are 235/55/17 and 255/50/17.

I hope the car will sit a bit lower, there's no interior, no glass in it and I still have to install the rear bumper.

I couldn't get out of the shop, so these photos are not too good:

http://v8cars.hu/index/080617a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080617b.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080617c.jpg

[mdkingsley]

Awsome car, that is a lot of hard work. And it looks great!

[twistedcutlass]

looks great. like the wheel package. not too big. fits the car nice. nice job on the whole.

[mrblackwell17]

You know you are getting close to being done when you change your avatar. Car looks great!

[zolav8]

You know you are getting close to being done when you change your avatar.

That's a true statement! :cool:

[zolav8]

We've repainted the interior with the SEM Color Coat.
I've managed to buy two quarts of Thomas Green and all the prep materials from Holland.

Here's the result:

http://v8cars.hu/index/080629a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/080629b.jpg

[DiegoShine]

wow man, I just looked through all of your pics and I really like your car, good color too, I'm sure shell be plenty fast with the built 455.

[DiegoShine]

wow your car is looking great.

[texxas8902]

Hey Zola, don't you need one of these? If he won't ship to you, I'll send it out if you need it and win the auction. I don't know if it is the same for your year model.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/76-77-CUTLASS-SALON-COLUMN-MOUNT-DIMMER-SWITCH-CAP_W0QQitemZ130235690853QQihZ003QQcategoryZ50459Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
He has the turn signal lever too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130235684509&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=003

[zolav8]

Hey Zola, don't you need one of these?

Thanks, that would have been a great score.
I've spent four times that money for a NOS one.

[Hawaii75]

Zola-

Just visited your website. Your work and dedication to the restoration is just awesome. Considering the extra time and expense you have incurred just to get the parts and parts car to your home Hungary is inspiring.

I thought I had it rough in Honolulu just trying to find a stupid locking gas cap for my '75!

Aloha,

John

[zolav8]

We've installed the aftermarket windshield and the other factory stationary glass in the car.
The Chinese winshield is not a perfect fit.

Also installed the stainless steel opera window trim I've bought 6 years ago :eek: on ebay.

http://v8cars.hu/index/081027b.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/081027a.jpg

[Andy 73]

How nice to see things done right. Wish I had the skill.I can only watch and wish, and enjoy. Andy

[zolav8]

Some new photos of the progress

Test run:
http://v8cars.hu/index/081213a.jpg

Vinyl trim:
http://v8cars.hu/index/090104a.jpg

Amber turn signal lights in the reverse light. It's the law here. :mad:
http://v8cars.hu/index/090111a.jpg

[zolav8]

Dash:
http://v8cars.hu/index/090118a.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/index/090118b.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/forumimages2/497ca44c4406f.jpg

[zolav8]

1975 Oldsmobile 8-Track tape :cool:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-DzHSqzczU

[texxas8902]

I've been wondering when your next update would be posted. Getting closer, almost done. Do you think you will be finished and driving it by this summer?

[ragz442]

Looks great Zola! It's got to feel good to be on the home strech, especially with the extensive work you did.

[MrRocket]

Zola, car looks great. I've been watching the progress on your car for a long time, and I've admired the work you've done. The hand fabricated quarters are jaw dropping. It is inspiring to see. Someday I will have my 74 in good shape too. Till then I will live vicariously through you and everyone else who has done their car up right. Good job.

[zolav8]

Thanks, guys.
I can't wait to drive the car this summer.
I have to.

But I have lots of work to be done before.
Then comes the legal inspection and after 8 years :eek: I'll be on the road again.

[Firethorne77]

That car is bad ass Zola.

I do like the HID set up for the lights. I think that car will be killer when you get her on the road.
Crazy that you have to use the reverse light slot for the amber turning signals, but guess that makes sense for the law over there. Does that mean you dont have to have reverse white lights?
Anyhow.. looks awesome.. It will be the only one like it for thousands of miles!!!

[zolav8]

I need reverse lights also.
I'll try to install a clear bulb with a push-in socket in the reverse light.
It's a tight fit, but should work.

When I bought the car, the taillight was divided into two segments. One clear and one red.
I think my current solution is better, because it keeps the original look of the rear.

http://v8cars.hu/index/amber.jpg

[texxas8902]

Zola, Do you still need the side trim piece for the seat that I saw under the parts wanted section of your web site? I'm pretty sure I have it in the garage.

[zolav8]

Zola, Do you still need the side trim piece for the seat that I saw under the parts wanted section of your web site? I'm pretty sure I have it in the garage.

To be honest, I don't really know it at the moment.
I've bought a parts car, so now I have two sets of this trim, but I don't know if I have a complete set.

Thanks for your offer, I'll figure it out soon.

[Doug Blake]

Great choice of parts. That's an amazing job you've done!! Great work

[W451973]

The car is looking great. I am very impressed with your dedication to the restoration. Especially considering how hard it is to get parts over there. I know how hard it is here in the states where the darn things were made. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be over there. I imagine any extra parts you have should be worth a small fortune over there. Great job. Keep the pics coming.

Dennis

[zolav8]

The car is looking great. I am very impressed with your dedication to the restoration. Especially considering how hard it is to get parts over there. I know how hard it is here in the states where the darn things were made. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be over there. I imagine any extra parts you have should be worth a small fortune over there.

Yes, money is the main reason why my project takes so long.
Our economy is in a downfall now, 1 USD is 230 HUF at the moment. It was around 150 last summer!

I'd have huge amounts in my pocket, but without internet and communities like this :cool: it would be impossible for me to finish my car.
You help me a lot with information, photos, parts, etc.

[zolav8]

Progress today:

I had to look at the old photos to know which gauge goes on the left and which on the right. :)
Notice the KPH speedometer.
http://v8cars.hu/index/090207a.jpg


I've trimmed the carpet, starts to look OK.
The shifter is a Quicksilver with the original cutlass rod.
http://v8cars.hu/index/090207b.jpg


Rear compartment:
http://v8cars.hu/index/090207c.jpg

[zolav8]

Rear seat and interior trim installed:

http://v8cars.hu/index/090322a.jpg

[Hurstolds1973]

Looks awesome! Great job! Looks better then new!

[damaged442]

I never cease to be amazed.

[Firethorne77]

Wow... she sure is comming together fantastic.
I love the interior and the wheels.
That car is gonna' haul ass!:eek:

[zolav8]

I've bought a gauge pod, to hide the new gauges in the console.

This is a firstgen Camaro pod with Auto Meter gauges:

http://v8cars.hu/forumimages2/49d3090a8dad9.jpg

After a little trimming this is what I see.
I vote for the factory look, so I hide the gauges, but I can have a look at them anytime.

http://v8cars.hu/index/090402a.jpg

[zolav8]

My upper door panel is custom made and I've had some problems with installing it.
Anyway, here's a photo of the test fit.

http://v8cars.hu/index/090402b.jpg

[Firethorne77]

nice set up for the guages!

[damaged442]

I love the idea with the hidden gauges!!

[brad442]

Zola, Your car is really coming together. LOVE the gauges!

[zolav8]

We've finally installed the rear bumper on Saturday.
The exhaust will be hidden to its factory place.

Look my friend's little boxy car on the left. :D

http://v8cars.hu/index/090418a.jpg

[zolav8]

I'm a bit dissapointed, because the color of the SEM dye doesn't match the color of the leather. :(
You can see the difference on the upper/lower door panel on this photo:

http://v8cars.hu/index/090412b.jpg

[zolav8]

Some testing today:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOYS6AgDCTI

[texxas8902]

I'm a bit dissapointed, because the color of the SEM dye doesn't match the color of the leather. :(
You can see the difference on the upper/lower door panel on this photo:

http://v8cars.hu/index/090412b.jpg

I know it might seem crazy to some, but if that were my car I'd dye the leather door panels and seats to match the dash/console/interior plastics. I think you can get good results.
The video is cool, you're getting close to completion.

[Hurstolds1973]

Looks and sounds great!

[Blue442]

The car looks great. You've put a lot of work into the car and it's paid off.

[Juzzefin]

I've bought the vinyl on ebay, the color is not the exact sandstone shade I wanted, it's a bit brighter.
The main problem was that the rear of the vinyl wasn't fit. It was tailored and sewed incorretly, the upholstery shop had to remake it.

http://v8cars.hu/index/080524a.jpg

How much did you pay for the vinyl top? Did you put it on by yourself?

[mdkingsley]

Man it just keeps getting better. I love the gauges, I have been wondering what to do with mine. I am useing Autometer Phantom II 160 mph speedo and tach. Both dash mount they fit the gauge bezels great and look good. So I have to add temp, oil, fuel and trans temp. I thought about useing a A-pillar pod but will have to fit it since there is not one for our years. Thank for the great ideas and the great updates too.

[zolav8]

How much did you pay for the vinyl top? Did you put it on by yourself?

The vinyl is from ebay, it was $145, and it didn't fit.
A local upholstery shop modified it for my car.

[zolav8]

The re-chroming of the headlight bezels is finally finished:

http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/4a6f398787ade.jpg

[Hurstolds1973]

Awesome Zola! Your almost done right?

[zolav8]

Although the car is not 100% finished yet, I'm driving it occasionally.


On a 250 mile trip with friends:

http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/4a6f3c6e67c32.jpg

http://v8cars.hu/garageimages/4a6f3b7d5e788.jpg

[zolav8]

Cruising with friends:

http://v8cars.hu/index/090725b.jpg

Bugs and rain :eek: :D

http://v8cars.hu/index/090725a.jpg

[73CS]

Car looks great. I am glad to see you driving and enjoying it.